Hino 500 FL8J

Sept 25, 2019: Among the carrier trucks in India, the HINO 500 FL8J is counted as one of the big names. It has a customizable body along with a sleeper cabin. It has a wheelbase of 5,630 mm and the ground clearance of the truck is 250 mm.

The truck has a 7.7-litre Hino J08E, DI Turbocharged Intercooled, Six Cylinder inline, Overhead Camshaft & Water Cooled mill that can push out a maximum power of 209 bhp at 2500 rpm, while the peak torque is 661 Nm at 1500 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

The Semi elliptical Leaf springs with Shock Absorbers are present at the front, while the Inverted Semi Elliptic Leaf Spring with Torque Rods are provided at the rear. The air brakes along with the ABS take care of the stopping duties.

Hino 500 FL8J Truck - Expert Review

The Japanese Joint Venture between Hino Motors and Marubeni Corporation has entered in the Indian truck market under its vision of getting a share in the world’s growing economies. It has only 2 mid-sized truck series for now and Hino 500 FL8J is one of them with aspiring power, performance and features. Powering the 500 FL8J series is a 7.6 Litre Turbocharger Intercooled 6-Cylinder in-line direct injection engine that can produce 209 hp power and 661 Nm torque.

Mated to a 6-speed gear transmission system, it could hit the top speed of 88 km/h with decent gradeability of 30%. The suspensions are very popular semi-elliptical leaf springs with shock absorbers on both front and the rear side. It also has very regular, but effective Reverse Elliot I beam front axle and Fully Floating Single Reduction Single Speed Hypoid Gear rear axle.

As Japanese are though to be concerned about the safety a lot, the Hino has borne the legacy too and so this 500 FL8J has Full Air Dual Circuit S Cam type service brakes, spring parking brakes, electric-pneumatic exhaust brake and Antilock Braking System (ABS) in it. Coming to the load capacities, it could lift up to 25,000 kg Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) including 6,725 kg.

The truck is available in 4 body options namely Tanker, Compactor, Reefer Van and CAB with same wheelbase of 4980 mm with 9,635 mm length, 2,465 mm width and 2,695 mm height. To offer smooth handling while driving the truck, the company has equipped it with tilt and telescopic power steering with locking device.

With Ladder-Shaped Channel section Side Rails type chassis frame having high tensile strength of 540N/mm2, it is pretty much on the safer side and with features like AC, cup holder, audio system, cigarette lighter, vinly type floor mate, seat belts and others, coziness is guaranteed.

The instruments and gauges like Odometer, Tachometer, Fuel Gauge, Air Pressure Gauge and Speedometer with warning buzzers and lamps for back up, coolant level, parking brake and others also help the driver to complete its trip without much hassles. Collectively, the Hino 500 FL8J is a fine truck suitable for a number of applications like carrying general goods, delivering cold storage goods, as a reefer van and many more. Also, the low maintenance with easy fuse replacement, larger air ducts, 200L fuel tank capacity and front lid for oil and coolant refill make it a good buy for the transporters.

Engine and Performance

Hino has powered 500 FL8J by a 7.6 Litre 6-Cylinder in-Line Turbocharged Intercooled Direct Injection diesel engine, which is good enough to churn out a maximum power of 212 ps or 209 hp @ 2,500 rpm and the peak torque of 661 Nm @ 1500 rpm. The fuel injection pump available in it is electronic controlled common-rail type, which is exclusive in India and also has Dry Single Plate with Damper Springs clutch having380 mm diameter to support the smooth transmission functionality.

Performance wise, it hits the top speed of 88 km/h with the 6-speed (6F + 1R) gear transmission system and has gradeability of 30%, which I guess is enough to climb up any roads in India.

Load Carrying Capacity and Applications

The weight carrying capacity of the trucks is the most important aspect to decide whether to buy it or not. Well, with 6,725 kg kerb weight in total Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 25,000 kg ensures that it carries 18,275 kg of stuff. The front and rear axle weights are 6,000 kg and 19,000 kg respectively, once the truck is fully loaded up.

Now, the stuff or precisely the applications this Hino 500 FL8J could be used are for carrying general grocery goods, building or construction material, small machine parts or components and others, depending on the nature of business of the transporter.

Braking, Suspension and Handling

The company has offered Full Air S Cam Type service brakes, front and rear axle acting spring parking brakes, electric-pneumatic exhaust brake and Antilock Braking System (ABS) for just getting an edge over others.

While the common Semi-Elliptical leaf springs at front and rear suspension system absorb basic shocks, the especial shock absorbers at front and torque rods at rear offer much more resistance to a very much possible bumpy drive on the Indian roads. Its Reverse Elliot I Beam type front axle and Full Floating Single Reduction Single Speed Hypoid type rear axle also helps to get better driving experience.

As far as the handling is concerned, the recirculating ball with integrated power steering and tilt and telescopic steering column with locking device does well having wheelbase of 4980 mm.

Exteriors and Interiors

Talking about the exterior dimensions, 500 FL8J is 9,635 mm long, 2,465 mm width and 2,695 mm high. The chassis frame is also Ladder Shaped Channel Section with Side rails to provide the needed support and safety. The lighting includes semi-sealed beam and halogen type headlamps along with electrical and dual windshield wipers.

Inside the cabin, there is speedometer with trip meter, odometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, air pressure gauge and tachometer with various warning lamps and buzzers like oil pressure, coolant level, parking brake, engine control system and back up warning buzzer too.

Comfort and Safety

For making the drive comfortable, the Hino 500 FL8J has AC, vinyl type floor mat, cab pockets on both door sides, audio system, driver and passenger side speakers, sup holders and cigarette lighter. And, to make sure that occupants stay safe, there is 3-point type seat belt, ABS and high tensile strength chassis frame to avoid any major injuries during accidents.